Carbonator



Mrch 30, 1948. .1. o. MGMILLAN CARBONATOR.

Fild sept. 9, 194e Y n/ Oma l1 NN mv New III x March 30, '1948.

J. o. MCMILLAN CARBONATOR Filed Sept. `9, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 (fa/2266/I/c/zZ/a//z Mdm Patented Mar. 3 0, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT EFICECARBONATOR James O. McMillan, Wichita, Kans., assigner to Frank J.Ablah, Wichita., Kans.

Application September 9, 1946, Serial No. 695,647

l2 Claims.

This invention relates to a carbonator.

The invention is more particularly concerned with a motor-drivencarbonator adapted for use within a soda fountain and it consists inthecombinations, constructions, and arrangements herein described andclaimed.

A primary object of the invention is the provision of a carbonator whichcomprises relatively few parts but which is capable of carbonizing waterin a shorter period of time than is possible with carbonators of thesame general character, now in USB.

A further and more specific object of the invention is the provision vofa carbonating unit which provides three stages of deaeration, agitation,a spray effected simultaneously with the agitation, and a second andadjustable sheet spray and which sprays are effected in a ,chamber lledwith carbon .dioxide gas.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a motordriven carbonator which is fully automaticv and having a dependableconstant delivery pressure effected by a regenerative turbine pump, theimpeller of which functions as a pump on one side and as an agitator onthe other side, thus eliminating the use of a speed reducer as well asmany `other moving parts common in motor driven carbonators.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a carbonatorincluding AAa ohznnber filled with al carbon Vdioxide gasat apredetermined pressure and into which chamber water is sprayed atselective adjustable pressures whereby the pressure of the water spray.iS maintained at approximately fteen pounds above that of the gaspressure for eiectivesaturation .of the water by the gas.

A still further object of the invention Vis the provision of lacarbonating unit including an impeller which jointly functions as a pumpand as an agitator, together with .an'adjustable spray means to whichwater is delivered by the pump.

A still further object vof the invention is the provision of acarbonating unit comprising a carbon dioxide chamber, a pumping andagitating means at one end yof the chamber and a relatively simpleliquid level control at the other end of the chamber.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent inthe course of the following detailed description, taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings. wherein- Fig. 1 is a verticallongitudinal sectional view of the improved carbonator structure, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment thereof.

Fig. 2 is ya left end elevational View of the structure illustratedinFig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a transverse verti'ca1 sectional View in the plane of line 33, Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational View of the left end portion of thecarbonator structure.

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional View in the plane of line5;-15, Fig. 1.

Fig, 6 is a right hand end elevational View as observed in the plane' ofline Eil-.5, Fig. 1.

Fig. '7 is an end elevational View of a pump impeller forming one oftheyessential elements .of ,the invention.

Fig. 8 is Aa vertical axial section of the structure of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is an elevational View of the end of the pump iinpeller oppositeto that of Fig. 7.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like referencecharactersv designate like parts in the different views, I0 designates apump housing and VI l designates a liquid control housing which housingsare provided with facing concentric circular channels I2 and I3respectively, in which are received the opposite ends of a stainlesssteel cylinder it. Soft rubber gaskets I5 are disposed in the bottoms ofthe channels I2v and I3 and against which the ends of the cylinder Idare forced by means of a pair of tie rods I6 having nuts I1 and washersI8 on their opposite ends.

The end faces of the housings I@ and II are preferably ofthe form of asegment of a sphere (indicated on housing Il only) whereby to preventdistortion upon drawing up the nuts Il on the tie rods I6. I

At this point it is to be particularly noted that the improvedcarbonating structure includes only three main Structures, two housingsand the linterposed cylinder which are capable of expeditious assemblyor disassembly by means of only two .tie rods it and the housingssupport the essential operating elements for effecting carbonization ofthe water.

The pump housing Iii includes a central cylindrical chamber I9 in whichis rotatably supported a shaft 2i) by means of ball bearing assemblies2l and 22 and connected to the inner end of the shaft 20 by means of akey 23 is the hub 24 of a pump impeller 25.

The hub 24 of the impeller is disposed between a-nut 2t on the inner endof the shaft 25J and one end of a spring 2l whose opposite end seatsagainst a packing 23 in thebottoin of a shaft cupshaped seal 29 Whosebase rests on a seat member 55 pivotally supported on the housing bymeans of a screw 51 and which is tiltable by a screw 58 connected to acollar 59 on a oat stem 60 which is sealed by a packing 5| and washer62, the washer being engaged by a spring 63 backed by a. packing nut 64.

Attached to the float stem 59 is a small stainless steel float 65 whichytiltsthe mercury switch 55to shut off the motor when the carbonator isfully charged and to switch on .the motor when the water level reaches apre-determined low.V

face 31 for cooperation with the face 33 on the" housing I9.

Cooperating with the semi-elliptical raceway 34 in the housing, is asimilar raceway `38 inthe face 31 of the impeller and which-cooperatingraceways jointly define a substantially elliptical raceway co-axially ofthe shaft 20.

.Y At this point it is to be particularlynoted that .the cooperatingfaces 33 and 31v on the housing and impeller respectively as consideredin any axial section of .the structure, are disposed substantially at an'angle'of V30 to a vertical plane and it is to be furthernoted that themajor axis of the 'elliptical racewayV extends at a slightly greaterangleV to the vertical plane.

The impeller is provided with a circumferential series of vanesjorblades 39 which are set in the racewa'y`38 and whose free edges areflush with the face 31 of `the impeller.

A highly important feature of the inventionis the disposition of suchvanes and as will be seen from Figs. '1 and 8, they extend at an angleof 30 in the directionof rotation of the impeller. The vanes alsoaredisposed at a small angle to the axis of the impeller (Fig. 8) andare inclined to therespective radii of the impeller in the direc-/tionlof rotation thereof (Fig. 7).

The impeller'25 is further provided with agitator vanes 49 onV the facethereof opposed to the vanes 39. The vanes 40 are covered by a plate 4lYhaving a water inlet 42 and a water outlet 43 (see Fig. 3). i

Water is delivered yfrom the outlet 36 into a priming chamber 44 whichis sealed by a plug 45 Ywhichfas shown, is tapped to receive a safetyvalve and manual means for draining off trapped air released from theincoming water.

Water delivered intothe chamber 44 by the pump including the impeller25passes into a tube lr6-and thence into a spray head 41. Y The spray head41 includes a bolt 43 extending vertically through a chamber in thehead. A

Y sprayY regulating plate 49 is supported on the bolt Y the agitatorvanes 40 passes out through the port 43 in the form of a spray as doesalso the water from the spray head 41.

The liquid control housing ll is provided with an outlet 53 for thecarbonated water leading to the draft ann of the soda'fountain. Thehousing Ii isv further provided with a passage 54 for an electricconduit extendingY from a drive motor to a mercury switch 55 which ismounted'in a bracket A plate 56 covers and protects the mercury switchwhich is accessible from the end of .housing H upon removal of theplate. .i5 Y

Theicarbonating unit according to this invention is adapted to operatein a soda fountain of relatively low temperature and is provided withsuitable bases or feet 61 for the reception of suitable bolts forsecuring the unit to the floor of the fountain. Y

The shaft-20 is adapted for operative connection with a motor disposedoutside the soda fountain by means of a suitable drive Ycoupling whichextends through a tubeV in th'e'fountain whereby the heat of lthe motorhas no VeffectV on the temperature of the fountain.; A f Y i In theinstallationof the imprvedcarbonating unit, it is secured `to the iloorofthe fountain and the motor located externally of the fountain isconnected -to the shaft 29. A water line is connected to thepump inlet35 (see Fig. 2) and carbon dioxide gas from a tank with a regulatorvalve is connected to the ,connection 52,;the water andthe gas -bothpassing throughr cooling coils in the soda fountain-prior to enteringthe carbonator and at a of about 39degrees. i Y Y l. Y

With the unit thus'installed; the floatV 65 will be at a low level andaccordingly the mercuryV switch 55 .will betilted to a position toVstart the motor which through shaft 20 will cause rotationY oftheimpeller 25. j i

with the unit thusr set into operationwater will enter the elliptical'raceway V34-f-38 from theV inlet 35 and the vanes 39 in theV raceway 38will ward inclination of the vanes 39 the centrifugal and forcedA intoaV spiral direction downward andV back into the path ofthe vanes39 foragain being impelled atan accelerated's'peedand force for augmentingtheV pressure. i f

i v'rnisfaetnm'on the water is due tothe elliptical Y shape of theraceway and theiangulandisposil Y,tioncf its transverse major axis totheuface 31 ofthe impeller together with thespecic angular VdispositionYof `theAAvan'es in the semi-elliptical the housing I0 vfrom the innerportion ofthe raceway,` to the outer portion Vthereof which changes thecourse Vof 'the Water Ibeing 'impelled andcon- Y vertin'g lits motioninto that of Ya spiral whereby the water is returned for further, actionLby the Valles.

temperature Y arida? 1'21 5 4.5 and the .Water is 'thenprepared forabsorption of the carbon dioxide gas. y l

As the water enters thev priming chamber 44 which functions to prevent4the pump from becoming air-locked, it` enters the tube 46 A'and Whenthe carbonated water has reached a prev determined level in thelcylinder M the switch 55 will be operated by the float 65 to shut offthe motor.

The carbonated Water is drawn from the outlet 53 and when the level ofthe water in the lcylinderl reaches a predetermined low, the switch 55through action of the iioat 65 will again set the unit into operation.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that a carbonating unit hasbeen provided which is relatively simple in construction and which iscapable of being mounted in a soda fountain with the expenditure of aminimum of time and effort.

The unit is highly efficient in that the carbonation of the water iseffected by a triple action which comprises agitation and a 'doublespray of the Water.

By maintaining the water pressure of the spray head 41 at I5 or morepounds above that of the gas a high velocity spray and agitation ofliquid in the gas lled cylinder I4 is provided such that the globules ofwater will be forced to take courses so strenuous and speedy that theimpact of same against other globules and the walls of the cylinder willcause rapid absorption of the gas.

In the event 0f wear .between the faces 33 and 3l of the housing I0 andimpeller 25 respectively proper adjustment can readily be made by meansof the nuts 3l and 32.

While I have disclosed my invention in accordance with a single specificembodiment thereof, V

such is to be considered as illustrative only, and not restrictive, thescope 0f the invention being defined in the sub-joined claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A motor driven carbonator unit comprising an elongated cylinder, ahousing supporting one end of, the cylinder, an inlet for carbon'dioxide gas in said housing, a water inlet in said housing, a rotarypump in said housing for delivering water from said inlet into saidcylinder, a second housing supporting the other end of the cylinder, andwater level control means supported by the second housing.

2. A motor driven carbonator unit comprising an elongated horizontallydisposed cylinder supported by a housing at each end thereof, an inletconnection in one of the housings for admitting carbon dioxide gas intothe cylinder, said one housing having a water raceway concentric withsaid cylinder and a Water inlet thereto, a rotary pump supported by ahorizontal shaft within said one housing and concentric with saidcylinder and operative to force water from said inlet through saidraceway, a spray head supported in the upper portion of said cylinder,and a water connection from said raceway to said spray head and waterlevel control means supported by the other housing.

3.' A motor driven Icarbonator unit according to claim 2 whereinsaidrotary pump includes a circular wall portion having vanes on oneside thereof for forcing water through said raceway, and vanes on theother 'side of the wall portion operative to agitato water within thecylinder.

4. A motor driven carbonator unit comprising an elongated horizontallydisposed cylinder having a supporting housing ateach end thereof, thehousing lat one end of the cylinder having a frusto-conical faceconverging toward the 4other Vend of the cylinder, a circular waterraceway in said face concentric with `the cylinder and semielliptical incross section, a shaft rotatably supported by said last housing, animpeller drivingly supported by said shaft and having a frust-oconicalface engaging vthe face on the housing, a senil-elliptical raceway insaid last face and forming with the first raceway, a raceway ofelliptical form in cross section of the housing, an inlet in said lasthousing for admitting carbon dioxide gas into the cylinder and an inletfor admitting water to said elliptical raceway, said impeller .havingvanes Within the raceway therein for forcing water from said water inletthrough the elliptical raceway, a spray head supported within thecylinder adjacent the upper wall thereof, a water connection between theraceway and spray head, and water level control means supported by theother housing.

5. The structure according to claim 4 wherein said faces are disposed atan angle of substantially 30 to a vertical plane and wherein the majoraxes of the elliptical raceway extend at an angle to the vertical planeslightly greater .than

6. The structure according to claim 4 wherein said vanes have their freeedges flush with sai-d faces and wherein the vanes are inclinedsubstantially 45 to the bottom of the raceway with the vanes divergingin the direction of rotation of the impeller.

7. The structure according to claim 4 wherein said impeller is providedwith radially disposed vanes projecting axially of said cylinder andaway from said face thereof, and a plate covering the last named vanesand having water inlet and outlet openings therein whereby the impellersimultaneously forces water .to said spray head, agitates the water andforces it out through said outlet opening in spray formation.

3. rIhe structure according to claim 4 wherein said spray head includesa yieldably and adjustably supported plate for maintaining the spray ata pressure in excess of that ofthe carbon dioxide gas within thecylinder.

9. In a carbonating structure, an elongated closed cylinder having ahousing at one end thereof, a motor driven shaft coaxial with thecylinder and rotatably supported in the housing, the housing having afrusto-conical face adjacent the corresponding end of the cylinder, andconverging toward the opposite end of the cylinder, an impellersupported by the shaft for rotation thereby and including afrusto-conical wall portion having one face conforming with and engagingthe face 0n the housing, a circular raceway concentric with the shaftand of elliptical form in axial section of the housing and impeller, theraceway being formed in mating half portions in the face of the housingand the corresponding face -of the impeller, circumferentially spacedvanes in the portion `of the raceway in the impeller and terminating ushwith said faces, a water inlet in said housingto said-race- Way, a sprayhead supported inthe upper portion of .the cylinder, a water outletconnection from said raceway to said spray head,a disc-like platesupported by saidhousing and disposed between said wall portion oftheimpeller and the cylinder, water inlet and outlet'openings in thevplate, and radially disposed vanes on the opposed `face of the Wallportionof the impeller for agtating the water and. forcing it throughsaid outlet opening in spray form, simultaneously with the pumping ofrwater by the first vanes to the spray head, and a carbon dioxide gasconnection inthe lower portion of said housing.

10. The structure according to claim 9 wherein said shaftisraxially-adjustable for taking up wear between said faces. Y

11. The structure according to claim gwherein said first vanes areinclined laterally outwardly and forwardly in the direction of rotationof the impeller for forcing the-waterin the racev REFERENCES CITED] Thefollowing referencesare of record'in the ille of this patent: Y

1 UNITEDV` STATES PATENTSY Name Date Bastian May 12, 1903 Number 202,248,184 Newton A July 8,1 941

